Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Application No. 18/545,884

SEQUENCE GENERATION FOR SMALL RESOURCE BLOCK ALLOCATIONS OF PHYSICAL UPLINK SHARED CHANNEL TRANSMISSIONS

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Dec 19, 2023
Priority
Feb 17, 2023 — provisional 63/485,799
Examiner
LAFONTANT, GARY
Art Unit
2646
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Qualcomm Incorporated
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
72%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
74%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 72% — above average
72%
Career Allowance Rate
333 granted / 459 resolved
+10.5% vs TC avg
Minimal +2% lift
Without
With
+1.5%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 3m
Avg Prosecution
25 currently pending
Career history
484
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
3.5%
-36.5% vs TC avg
§103
52.2%
+12.2% vs TC avg
§102
29.8%
-10.2% vs TC avg
§112
10.5%
-29.5% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 459 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. Claim(s) 1-30 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable by Canonici (US 2022/0149966 A1) in view of Sharma (US 2017/0295510 A1) Regarding Claim 1, 14, 25, 28 Canonici discloses a user equipment (UE) (See [0001]; [0017]; [0069]; terminal), comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code (See [0001]; [0017]; [0069]; a connected terminal merely comprise memory to store executable instructions); and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories (See [0001]; [0017]; [0069]; IOT Device merely comprise processor couple to memory to execute instructions in memory)) and individually or collectively operable to execute the code (See [0001]; [0017]; [0069]; IOT Device merely comprise processor couple to memory to execute instructions in memory)) to cause the UE (See [0069-0070]; terminal or connected object) to: receive (See Fig.1(r, N); [0019-0021]; generator receive input to produce sequence), for generation of a demodulation reference signal sequence corresponding to a channel transmission (See Fig.1(r, N); Fig.4; [0019-0021]; generating demodulating a signal representing a Zadoff-Chu sequence modulated in frequency offset for transmission channel), control signaling indicative of a selection of a root number and a prime number (See Fig.1(r, N); [0019-0021]; receive input parameters input parameters such as a sequence length N and a root r such that integer r, r> 1 and prime to N, as well as a frequency offset, q), the prime number being one of two or more prime numbers (See Fig.1(r, N); [0019-0020]; prime to N) used to generate a set of demodulation reference signal sequences for the channel transmission (See [0019-0021]; generating demodulating a signal representing a Zadoff-Chu sequence modulated in frequency offset)); generate (See Fig.1(r, N); Fig.4; [0019-0021]; Zadoff-Chu Sequence is generated using prime and root numbers), using the prime number and the root number as input into a sequence generation function (See (See Fig.1(r, N); Fig.4; [0019-0021]; [0046-0047]; receive input parameters input parameters such as a sequence length N and a root r such that integer r, r> 1 and prime to N, as well as a frequency offset, q), the demodulation reference signal sequence of the set of demodulation reference signal sequences corresponding to the channel transmission (See [0019-0021]; [0037-0038]; generating demodulating a signal representing a Zadoff-Chu sequence modulated in frequency offset to demodulate a signal)); and transmit data channel transmission including the demodulation reference signal sequence (See [Abstract]; [0069-0070]; using the generated demodulation reference signal sequence to transmit uplink signal). But Canonici fails to explicitly recite about physical uplink shared channel for data transmission using resource block allocation. However in an analogous art, Sharma teaches about a physical uplink shared channel transmission with demodulation reference signal sequence for resource block allocation (See [0008]; [0016]). Canonici and Sharma are analogous art because they all pertain to cellular communication channel. Canonici teaches about a UE receiving configuration to generate demodulation signal sequence for resource block allocation. Sharma teaches about a physical uplink shared channel transmission with demodulation reference signal sequence. Canonici can use Sharma features for uplink shared channel used often in UE data transmission to base station. Therefore, it would have obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before at the time of the filing date of the application to combine Canonici and Sharma as to obtain an efficient data transmission procedure for the wireless communication system. (Note: For Claim 14, network entity merely comprises processor and memory) Regarding Claim 2, 15, 26, 29 Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 1, 14, 25, 28 and Canonici further teaches wherein the set of demodulation reference signal sequences for the resource block allocation (See Fig.1(r, N); [0019-0021]; generating demodulating a signal representing a Zadoff-Chu sequence modulated in frequency offset for transmission channel), includes a first subset of sequences having a first length (See [0019-0021]; a first sequence of length greater than or equal to 2K,) and generated using a first prime number of the two or more prime numbers (See [0019]; [0038]; [0049]; subset of sequences can be derived from different prime and root number); and a second subset of sequences having a second length (See [0019-0021]; a second sequence of length greater than or equal to 2K,) and generated using a second prime numbers of the two or more prime numbers (See [0019]; [0038]; [0049]; subset of sequences can be derived from different prime, root number and length). Regarding Claim 3, 16, 27, 30 Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 1, 14, 25, 28 and Canonici further teaches receive an indication of an index of a plurality of indexes (See Fig.4; [0037-0038]; [0046-0047]; an index to identify the sequence number used), wherein each index of the plurality of indexes is mapped to one of the two or more prime numbers and a respective root number (See Fig.4; [0037-0038]; [0046-0047]; an index to identify the sequence number is used and it is mapped to corresponding prime and root number as different prime or root number produced different sequences)). (The above wherein limitation does not carry any weight as an index created for prime and root types does not change any functionality for UE configuration in generating demodulation signal. But for compact prosecution, the limitation is treated as per examiner interpretation)) Regarding Claim 4, 17, Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 1, 14 and Canonici further teaches wherein the two or more prime numbers for the resource block allocation are selected (See Fig.3(A,B,C); [0037-0038]; [0116-0117]; subset of sequences can be derived from different prime and subset of root number) in accordance with for selecting the two or more prime numbers based at least in part on a proximity of the two or more prime numbers (See Fig.3(A,B,C); [0037-0038]; [0046-047]; [0116-0117]; N are prime to each other) to a quantity of demodulation reference signal tones for the resource block allocation (See Fig.3(A,B,C); [0037-0038]; [0116-0117]; subset of sequences can be derived from different prime and subset of root number). (The above wherein limitation does not carry any weight as the selection of prime and root number to configure UE to generate demodulation signal sequence can be trivial and plural. But for compact prosecution, the limitation is treated as per examiner interpretation)) Regarding Claim 5, 18 Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 1, 14 and Canonici further teaches wherein the selection rule indicates a threshold proximity to the quantity of demodulation reference signals (See Fig.3(A,B,C); [0037-0038]; [0049-0050]; distinct roots r,u will be bounded by the same value, proportional to square root(N).). (The above wherein limitation does not carry any weight as the selection of prime and root number to configure UE to generate demodulation signal sequence can be trivial and plural. But for compact prosecution, the limitation is treated as per examiner interpretation)) Regarding Claim 6, 19 Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 1, 14 and Canonici further teaches wherein the set of demodulation reference signal sequences is generated using a subset of root numbers for a first prime number of the two or more prime numbers (See [0049-0050]; [0061-0062]; a subset of root number is used) (The above wherein limitation does not carry any weight as the selection of prime and root number to configure UE to generate demodulation signal sequence can be trivial and plural. But for compact prosecution, the limitation is treated as per examiner interpretation)) Regarding Claim 7, 20 Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 6, 19 and Canonici further teaches wherein the subset of root numbers is selected to exclude root numbers (See [0049-0050]; [0061-0062]; a subset of root number is used) that result in high cross-correlated sequences from the set of demodulation reference signal sequences (See [0037-0038]; [0049-0053]; subset of sequences can be derived from different prime and subset of root number). Regarding Claim 8, 21 Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 1, 14 and Canonici further teaches wherein: the set of demodulation reference signal sequences are enumerated using a prime number of the two or more prime numbers and a respective root number (See Fig4; [0037-0038]; [0049-0051]; the integers r and N are chosen to be prime to each other); and the root number and the prime number indicated via the control signaling correspond to the demodulation reference signal sequence of the set of enumerated demodulated reference signal sequences (See Fig.4; [0037-0038]; [0049-0052]; the sequence enumerated corresponds to the prime and root number). Regarding Claim 9, Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 1 and Canonici further teaches generate a first sequence portion using the sequence generation function and (See Fig.4; [0034-0035]; sequence generated)) cyclically extending the first sequence portion using values of the first sequence portion until a length of a resulting sequence is equal to a quantity of demodulation reference signal tones in the resource block allocation for the demodulation reference signal sequence (See [0011-0013]; the length of said Zadoff-Chu sequence will be chosen equal to the smallest prime number greater than 2K and the sequence of consecutive complex elements being then obtained by truncating said Zadoff-Chu sequence with 2K elements). Regarding Claim 10, Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 9 and Canonici further teaches wherein the first sequence portion is cyclically extended (See Fig.3(C); [0063-0067]) based at least in part on the resource block allocation being subject to a quantity of excess resource blocks due to bandwidth expansion (See Fig.3(C); [0063-0067]). (The above wherein limitation does not carry any weight as the above on describe the result of selection of prime and root number to configure UE to generate demodulation signal sequence. There is no functionality associated with the UE. But for compact prosecution, the limitation is treated as per examiner interpretation)) Regarding Claim 11, 22 Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 1, 14 and Canonici further teaches wherein generating a subset of demodulation reference signal sequences using one of the two or more prime numbers (See Fig.1(r, N); Fig.4; [0019-0021]; Zadoff-Chu Sequence is generated using prime and root numbers), results in a quantity of sequences that is less than a threshold quantity of sequences associated with limiting inter-cell interference (See [0050]; [0068]; number of sequences will be bounded as to reduce interferences). (The above wherein limitation does not carry any weight as the above on describe the result of selection of prime and root number to configure UE to generate demodulation signal sequence. There is no functionality associated with the UE. But for compact prosecution, the limitation is treated as per examiner interpretation)) Regarding Claim 12, 23 Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 1, 14 and Canonici further teaches wherein the two or more prime numbers are used to generate the set of demodulation reference signal sequences (See Fig.1(r, N); Fig.4; [0019-0021]; Zadoff-Chu Sequence is generated using prime and root numbers), irrespective of a rule for selecting a single prime number that is less than a sequence length associated with the resource block allocation (See Fig.3(A,B,C); [0060-0067]; there are multiple scenario in generation of demodulation sequence using the prime and root number). (The above wherein limitation does not carry any weight as the above on describe the result of selection of prime and root number to configure UE to generate demodulation signal sequence. There is no functionality associated with the UE. But for compact prosecution, the limitation is treated as per examiner interpretation)) Regarding claim 13, 24 Canonici and Sharma teach all the features with respect to Claim 1, 14 and Canonici further teaches generate, using a Zadoff-Chu function as the sequence generation function (See [0019-0021]; Zadoff function is used), the demodulation reference signal sequence (See [0019-0021]; a demodulation signal is created using Zadoff-Chu function as the sequence generation function). Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to GARY LAFONTANT whose telephone number is (571)272-3037. The examiner can normally be reached 9:00AM -5:00PM. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Jeanette Parker can be reached at 571-270-3647. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /GARY LAFONTANT/
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Prosecution Timeline

Dec 19, 2023
Application Filed
Mar 21, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §103 (current)

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
72%
Grant Probability
74%
With Interview (+1.5%)
2y 3m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 459 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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